The newly released Catalyst report, "Beyond Generation Differernces: Bridging Gender and Generational Diversity at Work, was authored by Laura Sabattini, Anika Warren, Sarah Dinolfo, Emily Falk and Mekayla Castro. Published September 2010, the report documents the impact of demographic shifts, new technologies, increased focus on team-based approaches and generational diversity on organizations. Companies are now managing a broader range of employees’ work and career needs, as well as growing expectations for highly inclusive workplaces and "customizable" career paths.

The ways in which generational diversity plays out in the workplace, however, go well beyond chronological age. Since age and generation intersect with other dimensions of diversity, including gender, ethnicity and nationality, companies that seek to address the needs of a generationally diverse workforce need to take an integrated approach. Beyond Generational Differences: Bridging Gender and Generational Diversity at Work provides the tools to develop such an approach, incorporating gender and generational strategies.

The synergies among these different trends and approaches can foster more comprehensive and inclusive policies, practices and programs, allowing companies to create more effective and inclusive work environments. Specifically, through insights gathered from Catalyst work and expertise, the report contributes to the dialogue on multi-generational initiatives by:

Highlighting what leading-edge companies are doing to leverage generational diversity

Informing organizations about how to incorporate gender and generational diversity as vital components of their existing initiatives

Providing tools and practices for readers earlier on in their journey as they start conceptualizing new initiatives.

This report may be particularly beneficial to senior leaders, human resources departments and D&I professionals seeking to address generational diversity across different groups and to those aiming to attract, develop and retain talent of all ages.